​Haeri’s visit is considered a clear sign of the support and approval of militia activities by Iraq’s highest ranking religious figures. The men were inundated with blessings and religious words of encouragement, while accusations of crimes against humanity that implicate AAH are yet to be investigated.

Haeri, is also a controversial figure widely known for his close relationship with Iran, where he defected during the early years of the Iran-Iraq Gulf War. He taught in Qum and went onto to mentor Iraqi Shi’i cleric Moqtada al Sadr.